Food is a necessary part of life, but that doesn't mean spending an exorbitant amount on said food is necessary. Only a true meal prep master has figured out these cooking hacks to save money.
Making delicious cold brew coffee in bulk is actually quite easy. It tastes just as good (if not better) than what your favorite coffee shop is serving, for a lot less.
This bubbly, fermented tea drink takes some time to make, but it's well worth it when you end up with a gallon of kombucha for the cost of one single bottle at the grocery store.
While it's tempting to stop for a bacon, egg and cheese on your way to work every morning, those $5 sammies can add up fast. Instead, make your own ahead of time and nosh guilt-free.
You might be surprised to find how easy it is to make your favorite dressings. A lot of them use ingredients you probably have already in your pantry, so you don't even have to run to the store when that honey mustard craving hits.
Vanilla extract can cost a pretty penny at the store, but it's a necessary expenditure for avid bakers. Luckily, you can make your own extract in bulk with just vanilla beans and some vodka.
Just like salad dressings, spice mixes are a lot easier to make than you might think. After all, it's really just about combining the right ratios of spices you probably already have to make a new combo.
Homemade stocks and broths are a great way to use up leftover meat and veggies that are about to go bad. As if saving money isn't a good enough reason to make your own stocks, they also taste so much fresher than the store bought alternatives.
Putting in the minimal effort it takes to make your own peanut, almond or cashew butter at home is more than worth it. You end up with fresh butters in bulk, and you're able to save on the jars that go for as much as $10 at the store.
Nothing compares to a fresh batch of homemade pesto. Plus, you can make it with almost any leafy green you have in your fridge, so it's a great way to use up all of that kale, spinach and basil before it goes bad.
Hummus is such a versatile dip that you can eat plain or flavor in almost any way you'd like. Make your own at home to enjoy without constantly having to buy it at the store.
Why buy croutons when you can make them at home with the day-old bread you were otherwise going to toss? These cheesy herb croutons are sure to take any salad to the next level.
Oatmeal packets are a lifesaver on busy mornings, but the cost of buying those individual packets can add up. Make your own packets with quick oats and whatever flavorings your heart desires. This way, you'll save time and money in the morning.
You know what's better than chips and dip? Homemade dip that doesn't break the bank. Unlike guacamole, fresh salsa tastes better the longer its flavors are allowed to mingle, so you can make a full jar and munch on it throughout the week.
Pickles take a bit of time to make, but most of that just involves waiting for everything to, well, pickle. Once you get the hang of the process, you can even go wild and make exciting pickle flavors using different spices and vegetables.
Pancake mix might be pretty affordable, but there's no reason you should have to buy it in the first place. It's super easy to make at home, and you probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry already.
Take a page from Grandma's (cook)book and start making your own tomato sauce. You really can taste the freshness, plus it's ridiculously easy to make.